Friday, May 31, 2013

The Dangers of GM Fish

Some people are concerned about the dangers of Genetically Modified (GM) fish, while others are blissfully unaware of what is going on in the field of genetics and animal breeding. In this article, I'll attempt to answer one simple question: If left to play out to its natural outcome, what consequences could government-sanctioned production of GM fish entail?

What is the motivation for creating genetically modified organisms?

The official public relations line is "to reduce the threat of starvation by creating "super" plants and animals that will grow better, faster and bigger, thus providing enough food for growing populations." This noble aspiration makes it easy for people to get on the bandwagon, but the sad reality is that GM food manufacturers are only interested in making money. They aim to corner the market by creating consumer dependency on the patented products they own. (Fish that are not genetically modified can't be patented.) Just as Monsanto is engineering patented self-terminating seeds that require farmers to buy new seeds for each harvest instead of using seeds from previous crops, GM fish manufacturers are producing fish that cannot reproduce among themselves.

Critics of these methods are concerned that GM fish would escape into wild fish population and reproduce with the wild fish, leading to species extinction. Disease and ecosystem disruption is already a huge problem with fish farming. Fish pens are frequently damaged by storms and the farmed fish introduced to the open waters can often outnumber wild species.

The genetic modification industry is still in its infancy and the ramifications of GM products are widely unknown. It could take a generation or two before the offspring of the consumers of these foods manifest the genetic corruption. However, there are a few documented studies that have shown the effects of GM food consumption in mice and humans.

Because mice produce offspring rapidly, it is easy to see the impact of their diet in the second or third generation. Mice born from parents fed GM products were smaller, sicker and sterile in some cases. French scientists conducted studies on mice using three varieties of GM corn (NK603, MON810 and MON863). NK 603 is Roundup (pesticide) tolerant while the MON810 and MON863 corn are modified to create BT Toxins. The scientists found that the organs affected were the kidney, liver, heart, adrenal glands, spleen and haematopoietic system.1 This impact on mammalian health gives us some idea of the potential for marine life health effects. It is quite possible that similar effects could play out from GM fish consumption. Could sharks or any other natural predators that feed on GM salmon become sickly, develop issues with their internal organs or become sterile by the next generation?

In a New Zealand report, Professor of Genetics and Molecular biology at Canterbury University, Jack Heinemann, stated, "The cumulative strength of the positive detections reviewed... leave me in no reasonable uncertainty that GM plant material can transfer to animals exposed to GM feed in their diets or environment, and that there can be a residual difference in animals or animal-products as a result of exposure to GM feed... " Professor Heinemann was engaged to look into the possibility of whether a meat producer can claim their chicken is truly GMO free if the hens are fed a mixture containing GM feed.

The implications of Heinemann's findings on our GM fish discussion is that a salmon predator like a shark or other big fish, or even a human being, can be affected by the transfer of cellular material.

Additionally, one major consideration that ethical, conscious human beings must consider is the possible negative impact of GM salmon on other marine wild life. Even though the GM salmon manufacturer claims that those fish will be raised in land-locked breeding apparatus, who can say if those fish will not at some point find a way into the oceans, especially from fisheries that are non-compliant with the guidelines. The live GM salmon may become predators of natural non-GM salmon.

Suppose no GM fish escaped into the wild and they were processed as normal salmon are processed today. What about the fish waste products like the heads, fins, guts, bones, etc. from traditional fish processing?

Would these GM fish parts be incinerated or simply added to feed for other fish, livestock or pet food? Or would the waste simply be dumped back into the ocean?

Surely the genetic material in those fish parts, if eaten by other sea creatures or land creatures, can pose contamination health risks. It's important to remember that even if regulation stipulated incineration, regulations are seldom enforced, and many corners are cut for profits.

GM fish waste fed to livestock would be introduced to the food supply of omnivores who don't even eat GM fish, or who do not eat fish at all.

The second major consideration is the impact of GM fish on mammalian health, including human health. In September 2010, the American FDA approved GM salmon as "safe" for human consumption,2 but I am not convinced this approval was not a political decision rather than a science-based one. The current evidence falls short of any real assurance of the safety of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in the food supply. The human health risk far outweighs any public relations line about feeding a hungry world.

Health conscious consumers must be aware of the potential for GMO contamination from multiple sources?-?not just GM salmon, but shark fin, other fish, and the many GM monocropped foods. Mandatory labelling of all GM foods, including salmon, is the only way to ensure the public's freedom to choose.

A plant-based, whole food, organic, local diet is still the better way of eating in order to reduce health risks associated with meats and with GM-contaminated meats. I'm part of a local Toronto group recently formed to raise awareness about GMOs.

References:
http://www.comcom.govt.nz/media-releases/detail/2009/inghamswarnedovergmfreechickenclai/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2010/09/10/pei-gmo-salmon-aquabounty-584.html

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Buying A Salon Purifier? 5 Features It Needs To Clear The Air

Salon air quality should smell fresh and clean, and with the right air purifier it can. Choosing a cleaner that has the following 5 features will help insure that you have chosen a cleaner that will work.

Carbon Filter---Carbon is the best type of filter to remove gaseous pollutants. And with so many salon products off-gassing chemicals at room temperature, it's important for a cleaner to have the capability to remove them.

Not only will carbon remove salon related chemicals but many other gases and odors. The filter does not care about the source of the pollutants, so this means your air can stay fresh regardless of the source of the pollutants.

Additive For VOC's---Volatile organic chemicals (abbreviated as VOC's) include chemicals such as formaldehyde, ammonia, toulene, xylene, ethyl acetate, and acetone to name a few. Unfortunately, many of these chemicals are found in salon products and off-gas into the air at room temperature.

And even as effective as carbon is, a potassium iodide additive has been found to greatly increase carbon's ability to effectively filter these airborne chemicals.

Adequate Cleaning Capacity---It is always better to be over-filtered than under-filtered. That means that measuring your space correctly is essential if the cleaner is to be effective at clearing the air.

Not only is the square footage important when deciding how much cleaning power you will need, but the number of stylists, the type of procedures, and the frequency with which they are done.

Buying a small cleaner for a space that is 700 square feet but has 4 technicians that do hair as well as nails concurrently for 5 or 6 hours each day means the purifier is underpowered before it begins.

Make sure that you take both factors into account when deciding how much cleaning capacity you will need to be effective.

24 Hour Filtration Capability---So many times the filtration system connected with the space where you operate the salon may cut back at night when the business closes. You may or may not have control over that.

This often means walking into a salon that smells of yesterday's procedures, and this can be very annoying to customers and staff. These left over fumes can also cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, dry throat and watering eyes.

Having a stand-alone unit that has a motor that will allow it to safely and effectively filter the air even when you are not there is important. This means fumes are never allowed to build to a level that is irritating. And you are more likely to walk into a salon that smells fresh all the time.

360 Degree Intake---Having a unit that can pull air from all sides gives you the options for placement. And you probably want it pushed over near a wall and out of the way.

A unit that can draw from all 4 side literally needs about 6 inches of clearance to allow air to be pulled in on all sides and needs very little consideration other than that.

This means that it does not need to be placed in the middle of the room to access all the air in the room and it can work up high or down low and still be effective.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Whether you are a man or woman, you probably have hair that you don't want. Shaving, tweezing, and waxing are painful, take time, and have to be done over and over again. If you find that it gets repetitious and you don't like taking the time to get rid of it, then you may be a good candidate for laser hair removal. This common procedure destroys the hair by introducing the hair follicles to the concentrated light in the lasers.

There are several benefits of laser hair removal that may help you decide whether or not to have the procedure done. One of these is the precision of the lasers, as they can find the darker and coarser hair and remove only them without causing any skin damage. Another benefit is the speed of the procedure. Because each laser pulse takes less than a second, many hairs can be treated at once, resulting in an upper lip being completed in less than a minute. Finally, it is more predictable because most patients can have their hair gone permanently in less than five sessions.

When you are having your hair removed by lasers, there are some things that you should expect. First, the hair that will be treated is trimmed very short and the equipment is adjusted to match the color, thickness, and the location of the hair on your body. The technician will wear eye protection and spread a cooling gel on your body to help the laser light under the skin where the follicles lie. Then the area will be treated and the technician will keep an eye on it for a couple of minutes to make sure that the skin does not react badly from the treatments. Because there is often some discomfort when the procedure is completed, you will be given ice packs and anti-inflammatory creams to help the skin feel better.

When you have had laser hair removal treatments, your skin may appear as though it has been sunburned. This can be helped by moisturizers and cool compresses. Unless there are blisters, you can wear makeup the day after treatment. During the course of the next month, your hair in the treated area will gradually fall out and you will need to wear sunscreen to protect the new hair free skin from the hazards of the sun. Side effects from treatment include some swelling, redness, and scarring, though rare.

Cost of the treatments vary depending on the procedure you are having done. According to research done by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, laser hair removal costs start at $235 per session. The amount you pay depends on the size of the treated area, the amount of treatments that you need, who is performing the procedure, and where in the country you are having the procedure performed.

If you do your homework, you can have your hair permanently removed. You will not need to tweeze, shave, or bleach again.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Finding A Reputable Hospital For Women

There are a variety of specialized health clinics that are dedicated to providing care to only certain segments of the population. Hospitals that cater only to women are among the most important of these clinics. Many of these facilities provide world-class gynecological care, while others may even offer certain cutting-edge treatment plans to those females who have been diagnosed with ovarian or breast cancer.

When women are ultimately choosing one of these clinics, they should of course consider both formal and informal reviews. This will give them an idea of which doctors and nurses are the best in the field. If families will be scheduling an appointment, they should call ahead of time to make sure that they can get in.

Many younger girls who have become pregnant and who are a bit apprehensive about the trials they are about to face can also receive treatment at these types of centers. There will be professionals on-hand to assist them through every step of the process. With expert care, the pregnancy should be a big success and should lead to a lifetime of happy memories.

Oncology wings are also available for individuals who must undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Breast cancer patients will face specific challenges, and a hospital that is dedicated to caring for females may be the best choice. Once the radiation therapy has been completed, patients can move on and bravely begin the next step in the process.

Depression and anxiety are also conditions that can be treated at these clinics. Many females, in fact, fall victim to postpartum depression after they give birth. Psychologists and psychiatrists can help them work through their problems so that they can quickly regain their passion for life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the key pillars of psychological counseling.

Domestic abuse applies almost solely to women, and shelters are often set up at hospitals where victims can rest while they decide what to do next. In some cases, legal action may be taken, and females can count on the full support of the clinic as they move forward.

In the end, when looking for a women's hospital, local residents should always choose the best possible option. If emergency treatment is needed, the patient should be rushed there quickly. By examining the local listings in the region, mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters can assure themselves of being examined by the best in the business.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

STD Tests for Home Use

Yearly, there are actually millions of people who get victimized by STDs. However, this is poorly recognized given that several STDs lack any visible, characterizing sign during their early phases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that Chlamydia alone infects more than one million annually. Many victims fail to realize that they house the bacteria, unlike cases of more easily recognizable gonorrhea and syphilis. The hidden nature of Chlamydia results of serious and at times irreparable damage to the victims' reproductive systems and the prenatally infected babies, who may succumb to pulmonary disorders or blindness.

Although health professionals are very trustworthy and effective treatments for controlling STDs are plenty, those diseases stay rampant due to the unwillingness of victims or suspecting patients to immediately seek medical attention. Brought about by this fact, experts in the field of disease detection have designed the STD home test.

Anyone can buy an STD test kit online or locally. Users are only required to acquire urine, blood or oral samples and have the samples submitted to the laboratory for fast and reliable analysis. Within one or few days, the user will be informed through private text or email of the result. There are also test kits that no longer require laboratory analysis and produce results right away like a pregnancy test kit. A positive result simply means swallowing some pride and immediately visiting the nearest doctor for disease suppression.

It will be helpful to know that an STD home test kit may significantly vary from another due to the fact that STDs are caused by a wide array of agents. STDs can be classified into three sets- parasitic, bacterial and viral. STDs caused by parasites such as lice infestation and trichomoniasis are the most obvious among the three groups. A number of them can be cured without any professional intervention. Bacterial STDs include gonorrhea and syphilis. These infections can be cured by antibiotics and therefore clinical consultation is required. Viral STDs are brought upon by the smallest causative agents. These agents include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes AIDS, herpes virus and human papillomavirus which is blamed on almost all cervical cancers. These diseases are the hardest to manage and many non-curable STDs fall under this category.

Like what was mentioned earlier, some diseases can be detected using an at-home test kit, which the customer can completely utilize without any external help. There are other kits that require user-collected samples to be submitted to laboratories. On the contrary, there are also tests wherein only trained professionals can perform the sample collection. STD tests can also be separated in terms of whether a battery of tests is conducted on the collected specimen or only one type of test is being performed.

Various STD home test kits require different samples. There are STD test kits that require anal, vaginal or penile swabs. On the other hand, there also exists STD test kit that requires either urine or blood sample. The required amount of sample is specified in the manual of the test kit. Typically, the kit contains all the necessary containers and tools for sample extraction.

To understand the dynamics of STD tests, it will be worthy to look at two dissimilar methods of HIV testing. One method involves Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR. This needs blood specimen and requires less than one day for result identification. The alternative method requires a urine sample which can be properly collected without any external help unlike the blood sample. This other method requires around fourteen days for completion.

Individuals who frequently have sex especially with more than one intimate partner are strongly encouraged by CDC to undergo routine STD tests at least twice a year. Using any appropriate and reliable home test can lead to the extermination of diseases long before the outbreak of symptoms. Although suppliers of test kits can be easily located, it can't be expected that everyone will order a test kit. A single STD test costs around $50 to more than $200 - a price range not everyone is willing to invest in. For those who don't intend to buy any STD test kit, diligent practice of protected sex may potentially reduce the chance of needing frequent STD screening.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

How To Manage Hypertension Properly

High blood compression is a health condition that everyone can relate to because almost everyone knows someone who has the condition. If our blood pressure is constantly up, the implication is that our heart is working extra hard to pump blood to the different parts of the body.

The extra effort of the heart results to the rigidity of the arteries which can cause many blood compression symptoms and complications. To sum it all up, people with elevated blood pressure are of higher risk to have a stroke, heart attack, aneurism of the arteries, and other cardiovascular related problems.

Hypertension is the clinical term given to the condition of having high blood pressure and it affects millions of people around the world. Because of the advancement in technology, children who are spending less time being active has developed a habit of sedentary activities which lead to more young people becoming hypertensive.

If you already have hypertension, here are some of the things you could do to manage your constantly high blood compression.

Make sure you have emergency medication ready for anytime

There are a lot of ways of treating hypertension but if it attacks and the elevated blood pressure is affecting your productivity, there are a lot of fast-acting medications to choose from. Some are even used via sublingual intake to increase the rate of absorption to the blood stream and to achieve the therapeutic effect faster.

Control whatever you are eating

Dietary changes are also one of the most commonly used methods of controlling blood compression especially among food lovers. There are variations of proper diet for hypertensive patients depending on the organization whose advice you follow. All of the diets agree however that the recommended diet should have decreased fat and salt content. You could consider taking Robert Miller 's advice in choosing an anti hypertensive diet.

Have a special exercise routine tailored for you

As a hypertensive, you can't engage in just any exercise you want because exercise and other physical activity also increase your blood pressure for a short period of time. Start small when planning and implementing your workout routine to be able to compensate for your cardiovascular condition. Your main objective is to be able to continue a regular workout habit. If you want a more intense workout experience, you can begin more demanding routines when you have improve your health and when your doctor gives you the go signal.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Build Your Immunity, Keep Your Health

Cold and flu season is here. In fact, the flu has spread across North America this winter fast and furiously. Many hospitals in Canada had to call on extra staff through the holiday season to deal with flu patients congesting their emergency rooms. The strains are strong and the symptoms are nasty.

Getting sick is no fun for anyone. It impacts our work, family life and fun. I'm sure you'd rather avoid the runny nose, headaches, fevers, chills, vomiting, diarrhea and full-body aches and pains. Some of you may even have gotten the flu shot. If we value our health, it serves each of us well to protect our bodies.

3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Health Throughout the Year

While there are no guarantees, experts agree that these three steps will help you avoid illness:

1) Practise proper handwashing

2) Reduce the spread of germs by covering up coughs and sneezes

3) Build your immunity through proper nutrition.

The first two are obvious, but did you know that 60-70% of your immune function is located in your gut? What you eat matters. And have you ever contemplated why cold and flu season spans from Halloween to Valentine's Day when we are eating more sugary treats?

It's not a coincidence. Sugar does more than add inches to your waistline. It suppresses your immune system for up to 4 hours. Shocking, yes? Reducing your sugar intake can definitely boost your immunity.

So can these other immune-building nutrients:

  • Bright colored veggies/fruits
  • Dark leafy greens - kale, chard, collards, spinach
  • Seeds and nuts
  • Omega 3?s (fish oil, flaxseed oil)
  • Garlic

The following supplements are also a great addition to your immune-boosting regiment:

  • Echinacea
  • Astragalus
  • Oil of Oregano
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Zinc
  • A probiotic to maintain stomach flora.

Beyond what you eat, the following factors all impact immunity:

  • Stress
  • Rest
  • Allergies
  • Emotions
  • Exercise

Yes, I know you know about these. Now I empower you to live them.

It is often the very basics we overlook that hold all the power. Yet we're off searching for something sexy and sophisticated that requires more time, energy and money than is needed.

Set yourself up for success and get back to basics. Choose clean eating, good rest, plenty of water and a lifestyle that keeps your happiness high and stress under control. Illness is never about just one thing. It's a series of steps you overlook. Similarly, wellness is just a series of new steps you take. Together they build the sacred well from which you live.

Here's to filling your well. Your health is worth it.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Proactive Health Defined

Proactive health is a term coined by the author to represent the state of well-being and degree of improved health resulting from actions undertaken by an individual to promote and achieve the goal of improved health. The measures or actions on which it is based are directed towards disease prevention, early detection of disease, improved quality of professional health care and improved professional healthcare results.

Although absolute predictions of the degree of health improvement resulting from proactive measures cannot be made, subjective and objective manifestations of improvement such as enhanced stamina, reduction or elimination of pain, better sleep, peace of mind, lowering of blood pressure, healthy weight loss and improved control of diabetes can certainly be recognized and appreciated. Additionally, there is convincing literature supporting the health benefits resulting from the reduction or elimination of risk factors for various diseases.

In order to implement proactive health strategies it might be necessary to educate oneself by viewing written and/or video information to acquire knowledge and understanding of certain risk factors such as tobacco smoking, elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and a positive family history as they relate to heart disease.

Familiarity with your family history can also be helpful in determining which proactive measures apply to you. For example, if there is a history of cancer or cardiovascular disease in the family, quitting smoking should be a proactive measure undertaken with a goal of prevention. If there is a family history of diabetes mellitus and you are obese or overweight, weight loss through improved diet and exercise should be considered as possible means of preventing the development of diabetes.

Some risk factors for disease can be reduced or eliminated by proactive health actions alone such as smoking cessation or weight reduction, but others might require targeted risk screening tests which can detect risk factors such as diabetes or elevated cholesterol. Screening tests for identification of disease risk factors and for early disease detection can be ordered by a physician at the time of a yearly wellness visit. They can also be ordered without a doctor's request through an online laboratory service and performed with some test kits at home.

The more active role of patients in their health care, which is the foundation of proactive health, should not be a substitute for professional advice and guidance through a provider/patient relationship but can be a valuable supplement. In the midst of a healthcare paradigm shift in which physicians and other healthcare providers are being mandated to engage patients more in their healthcare, proactive health measures undertaken by patients can facilitate the transition. Greater engagement of patients in their health care will not only increase patients' understanding of their health care and their state of health, but will also aid physicians and other health care providers in providing improved health care at the most affordable price.

This article is for informational purpose only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical consultation with a qualified professional. The author encourages Internet users to be careful when using medical information obtained from the Internet and to consult your physician if you are unsure about your medical condition.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Acquire A New Perspective With Hypnosis For Anxiety And Stress

Stop The World, I Want To Get Off is not only the name of a 1961 play, but also describes how many people feel about their lives these days. Whether you are exhausted from multitasking in every area of your life, overwhelmed by all you have to do and how quickly you need to do it, or are a prisoner to your own self expectations, the anxiety and stress you feel could be setting you up for very real illness and physical effects. Even if you think you're managing to balance it all, your stress may manifest itself in the form of sleepless nights, frustration, anger, addiction, weight gain, and many other unproductive and unhealthy consequences.

A Better Way To Cope

To cope with these circumstances and side effects, many reach for the pills to seek relief, but there is a better way for anxiety and stress relief naturally through hypnosis. Since hypnosis brings you into a focused state of relaxation, this approach gives you the perfect toolkit to help you manage anxiety, look at life differently, and even change your response to stress. You can't stop the world from spinning out of control, but you can learn techniques to prevent yourself from becoming dizzy!

How Hypnosis For Anxiety And Stress Works

When you're in a hypnotic state, you are more suggestible. While you won't do anything against your will or out of character, you are in a perfect position to use techniques available with hypnosis training to make life's challenges more manageable. Stress is all in how you look at your challenges and how your emotions react to the situations in your life. Hypnosis is a completely different approach to both.

Anxiety and stress cannot coexist with calmness and relaxation. So once you learn ways to center yourself and respond differently to the frenetic pace around you, you could be at peace rather than continually feel agitated and overwhelmed.

Hypnosis Changes How You React To Stress

Relaxing into an hypnotic state, or 'trance' for anxiety and stress will not only change your outlook, but could easily change your physiology as well. Often people report blood pressure and pulse rate dropping when they relax, and the deep breathing used in session can increase oxygen flow. Where you might have snapped at coworkers or felt alienated from life before, after hypnosis your outlook may seem changed so you prefer feeling like a person who is friendly and able to laugh at yourself. You'll learn to maximize your downtime and mentally escape for a few moments to a place of peace and tranquility when things are hectic. People often report sleeping better as well.

Will Hypnosis Work For You?

As with all hypnosis, the effectiveness entirely depends on you wanting to be hypnotized and wanting whatever you're being hypnotized to do. So you may want to go into trance and learn how to change how you feel, but if you truly like eating chocolate donuts and truly want to keep eating them, no amount of hypnosis can 'make' you do anything. All hypnosis is 'self hypnosis' - meaning hypnosis isn't something 'done to you' - it's something you do. The hypnotist's job is to teach or train you how to use those relaxation and focus skills to change your behavior.

With the proper screening, a hypnotist can tell up front whether you are a good candidate for something like hypnosis for anxiety and stress, and whether they can take you as a person. When selecting a professional, be sure to ask about what results YOU can expect given YOUR particular situation and be honest with the hypnotist about whether you can follow directions and do as you're told.

If you've tried other relief methods with no success, imagine what hypnosis for anxiety and stress could do.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

10 Ways To Boost Your Immune Systems

Many people don't realize how important a healthy immune system is and how it can affect our everyday life. The immune systems helps to the body to defend against bacteria that may cause infection, viruses, diseases and then some. When your immune system is low and/or not functioning properly you can be more susceptible to these common everyday problems. Also if your immune system is low you may feel low on energy, irritable, and sluggish. On the other hand when your immune system is functioning properly you may have energy, be in a better mood, and have better focus. Down below are 10 ways that can help to boost your immune system.

Exercise- try to exercise on a regular basis this will help to boost circulation and boost your immune system. This will also help you to get better in shape.

Drink plenty of water- this tip is very important are body needs the proper amount of water to be able to function properly. Water also flushes toxins and impurities that are in our body.

Proper rest- 8 hours of sleep is a good amount of time to sleep. Try your best to get your proper rest. Are body needs to rest in order to re-cooperate for the next day. When you do not get the proper rest that can have a great effect on your immune system.

Eating right- eating the right foods can provide great benefits to your immune system. Try to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Especially vitamin c this is very good for your health. Try you best to stay away from unhealthy foods that contain a lot of grease, fat, preservatives and toxins. These food can have a very negative effect on your overall health.

Clean hands- washing your hand more frequently can help to cut down to bacteria and germs. You should especially make sure your hands are clan before you eat or are touching anything that may be entering your body. If possible try to keep hand sanitizer on hand the are many germs an surfaces everywhere in are everyday life.

Stress- stress will have a great effect on your health. Try so stay stress free the best that you can. Try to stay out of stressful situations or try out different stress relievers like taking a walk, listening to music, laughing and/or taking up a hobby.

Watch toxins- toxins such as smoking cigarettes and/or drug abuse is very harmful to your body as well as your overall health. Try to stay away from these or environments that may contain these toxins. Even second hand smoke can have a effect on the well being of your body.

Harsh weather- if you do have to deal with the harsh elements take the proper precautions. If you are dealing with extreme weather like during the cold months in the winter bundle up and be sure that your are properly covered and warm. Also especially sure that your chest is properly covered if not that is the best way to catch a cold. If you are dealing with the harsh heat in the summer be sure to stay hydrated and that you have plenty fluids in your body to help to eliminate the risk of dehydration.

Changing your clothes- try to change into your house wear when you arrive home if you have no place else to go. Your clothes have been exposed to the outside environment that may carry germs and bacteria. If you have had a long day and are tired and do not have the energy at that moment to change your clothes try laying on the couch for a second instead of your bed.

Clean house- try keeping your house as clean as possible. Try cleaning and dusting on a regular. If dust is accumulating in your house you are breathing that in which can effect your health and immune system.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

What To Know About Testing Your Water With Water Testing Kits

Over 70% of the world's surface is covered by water, but when looking at the amount that is fit for human consumption, only 2.5% remains as fresh water. Nearly 70% of that fresh water is frozen in the polar icecaps; most of the remainder is soil moisture or lies in underground aquifers that are inaccessible for human use.

Estimates from the World Health Organization say that more than 5 million people die each year from diseases caused by unsafe drinking water.

Whether you are a homeowner or business owner wanting to know and understand your well-water quality, or you are a municipality wanting external lab verification of your water quality, a water sample kit testing is available for very reasonable rates. Water testing kits are available from a number of reputable testing labs across the United States, but finding the right test for your situation will determine the lab you are going to use.

Water testing kits are available for all sorts of tests. For example, you can get a simple test that identifies 31 individual items including heavy metals, or a 100-plus item test that identifies all common known contaminants and pesticides. For commercial and municipal testing or for homeowners concerned about their water quality from a municipal water source, testing kits identify metals, minerals, organics, chemicals, pesticides and herbicides.

If you live on a farm or acreage and you get your water from a well, you may want to test your water annually, or more depending on the quality of water your previous test results indicate, and by the taste you are experiencing. Additionally, where you experience freeze-thaw cycles; you cultivate, fertilize and spray any crops; or you grow grass close to your water well may require testing more often. You should test seasonally if you have water provided from a shallow well. Municipal testing should only require testing if you experience odd water tastes or experience a break in a water supply line that supplies your property.

Informed testing allows a homeowner to make smart choices about their drinking water and budget finances based on those decisions to make changes in their water supplies. Simple changes such as water softeners to reverse osmosis and purification systems can carry a high initial cost, but these costs are recouped over time in the value of healthy water that does not cause you illness. These simple solutions can literally save your life.

Water testing kits are easy to use, and obtaining a water sample kit from any of the certified and accredited testing labs across the country is your best decision. Taking the time to test your water quality is in the best interest of your health, and the health of your family and pets and livestock too.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Why Do Hospitals Restrict Visitors?

Hospitals usually restrict visitors for seeing their near and dear ones who are admitted in the hospital. They have sound reasons to behave in this particular fashion. During the time when the pervasiveness of common cold and flu is high, hospitals tend to make sure to restrict the movement of visitors in the emergency rooms, ICU and other sensitive areas. It is because the patients who are in serious condition might get infected by the common cold or influenza virus. Patients admitted in the hospital generally have weak immune systems and by restricting visitors to move in the sensitive areas inside the hospital, hospital administration is actually doing a good job.

Hospitals also restrict young children from entering into the sensitive areas, and there are reasons behind this too. Young and growing children are often restricted to enter to hospital and more often in the emergency rooms and ICU etc. It is quite important to note that by restricting the children from entering into sensitive areas in the hospital, the hospital administration is protecting them from the likelihood of infection.

Visitors who themselves are sick will not be allowed to enter the hospital as well as sensitive areas with the aim to protect them from catching any disease. It is quite logical to understand that sick people can easily transmit the diseases and hospital borne infections to the patients.

Hospital administration has to face several challenges while restricting the visitors who have the intention of visiting the person who is not suffering from any disease. The person whom a visitor intends to visit can be either from the administration or from the medical staff. The purpose of restricting such types of visitors is again to prevent the spread of germs.

Finally, it is for you to know how and what type of restrictions does the hospital impose. Keep in mind that restrictions are made to keep the society safe and free of diseases. You should keep a watch on the visitation policy of the hospital as this would help in keeping yourself completely informed. Different hospitals have different types of visitation policies. The person whom you are visiting in hospital should also be informed about the same as this would be beneficial either ways.

It is quite important that you look seriously into the visitation policies as this would turn out to be extremely beneficial for you as well as the patient admitted in serious condition. You just cannot afford to put the precious life of patients at stake by ignoring such things.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Things To Consider When Contemplating Surrogacy

Surrogacy is not usually the first choice when you want to build a family, but couples who are unfortunately unable to conceive on their own like this more than adopting a child because in some types of surrogacy, the child will be genetically related to the father. While surrogacy has been in existence for millennia, it has continued to be controversial, even outlawed in some states. Here are several things you ought to know about surrogacy to help you decide if it is the ideal option for you.

Who uses surrogacy?

Couples who cannot conceive on their own often turn to surrogacy after trying and exhausting other options such as IUI, IVF, and GIFT procedures. Women who cannot conceive due to the surgical removal or disorders affecting the uterus, or have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss can find surrogacy as a feasible option. Women who have health problems that make pregnancy dangerous can also want to have a baby through this method.

Men could also opt to use surrogacy arrangements. Gay couples, a male individual who wishes to have a child but who doesn't have a partner, or a widower whose now deceased wife has embryos in storage can consider surrogacy to have a child that has genetic ties to him.

Issues associated with surrogacy

Surrogacy is linked to several medical, emotional, financial, and legal issues. How do you and your partner feel about another person carrying your son or daughter, are you and your significant other financially and emotionally ready to go through this, and how will you explain making use of surrogacy to your friends and family, and eventually to your kid are just some questions you must answer before choosing this arrangement. Talking to a mental health professional or a counselor who is experienced in handling cases of infertility can help you think about all matters associated with surrogacy so you can arrive at a sound decision. You also have to meet with with a local legal advisor since legislation about surrogacy continue to change. For example, in some states, traditional surrogacy, where the egg of the surrogate and the sperm from the intended father are used, is not allowed.

Where do I start?

When you have decided, after talking with a fertility specialist, that surrogacy is the right choice for you, the next step will be to look for a suitable surrogate. You can check out a surrogate agency, which works as a go-between for you and possible surrogates. By working together with a reliable agency, you're confident that the surrogate matched to you has given birth to a live and healthy child, has gone through and passed mental and physical health screening, and has no criminal record.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Why "We Must Eat Breakfast" Is a Myth

We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We have been told that eating breakfast helps get our bodies of the other food we are going to eat throughout the day. Plus, it gives us the proper nourishment to get our body pumping for the rest of the day's activities. So we have followed it; and some of us find it a challenge to eat anything at all in the morning. We force ourselves because as we were told, we just are not allowed to skip it.

However, what if there really was no need to eat breakfast? Here you will find reasons why eating breakfast is just a myth.

Myth 1. Not eating breakfast is bad.

First of all, your body has already fed itself. When you fast (or skip) breakfast, your body is using up its own stored fat in the body. In the morning, your body burns up more fat because you were not eating all through the night. By the time you open your eyelids, your body has been already able to eat body fat.

Myth 2. You will become fat if you do not eat breakfast.

Think about the people who usually skip breakfast. Most people who skip breakfast are those who are trying to lose weight. They skip it only to find themselves binging on the next meal which makes them gain all the weight back and more. Skipping breakfast does not necessarily equal to becoming fat; skipping breakfast usually means that this kind of person stated here also has other eating issues.

Those who are not dieting and skip breakfast might be those who are really busy and rushing to get to work. However, it has been seen that they might actually weigh less than those who skip it purposefully to lose weight.

Cortisol is also given off by our bodies. This helps increase the production of glucose which actually aids in normalizing your blood sugar even if you are not eating anything. It reaches its peak around 8 AM and decreases later on in the day. It is for this reason that when we wake up we usually do not feel hungry. Also, since glucose has been made, our body is already at work on making our blood sugar stable.

A study has shown that rugby players on Ramadan were losing weight and better lean muscle mass.

Myth 3. The biggest meal of the day should be breakfast. We have heard the saying "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch a queen, dinner like a pauper." In the study of the kind of fasting in Ramadan, it has shown that there was no effect on the body of those who ate meals during the rest of the day. Those who eat a lot especially carbs at the night showed no effect. In a study, it showed that those who ate bigger meals in the evening actually saved their muscle mass more; the later body fat was also dropped.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Prescription Drug Abuse An Ongoing Problem On College Campuses

Binge drinking and underage drinking are commonly associated with college campuses already. The dangerous alcohol habits of college students have already been established, a new problem of prescription drug abuse has been emerging.

Prescription drug abuse can be loosely defined as the ingestion of a medication that was prescribed to someone else, and not to you, in an effort to gain effects that you would not be able to experience otherwise.

In other words, you need to stay up all night to study for a midterm exam and it's beyond the effects of coffee or energy drinks, so you ask a friend for an Adderall that he is prescribed by his doctor. The health risks of staying up all night on a prescription drug are often ignored by a student who needs to turn in a paper.

Another example: a guy in your dorm has a Vicodin prescription for the chronic back pain he's been suffering from since a car accident in middle school. He gives you a pill or two on Sunday night because you need to stop going out to bars so much. You have a relaxed evening with just a few beers a couple Vicodin and go to bed early. Again, you don't think much of it. Some believe it's safe than a night out binge drinking? Not quite.

Sadly these examples are becoming more common place among college kids. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, believes that one out of every four college students have illegally used a drug that is administered by prescription only. Colleges continue to do battle with prescription drug abuse, but often times the school is hampered by what they can actually do?

Drugs like Ritalin and Adderall are being used to stay awake for studying purposes. College students who have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Disorder, ADD or Adult Attention-Deficit Disorder, ADHD, and who are prescribed stimulants (Ritalin and Adderall) are selling their pills to other students. The college kids who are buying prescription drugs do not have a presciption themselves; there is no doctor recommended reason for these students to be taking these pills, especially in combination with other chemicals. The students just want to be awake enough to study all night for whatever tests or exams are pending.

Study drugs that are stimulants aren't the only prescription drugs that college kids are abusing. Sedative medication like Valium and Xanax, opioid painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin, are some of the more popular prescription drugs that college kids are.

Without being medically-monitored while taking a drug of any sort, someone taking a prescription drug that was not written to him or her risks immediate negative reactions to the drug. What treats symptoms in one person may actually cause adverse symptoms in another person.

SAMHSA also reports that, among all people aged eighteen to twenty-one, full-time college students are twice as likely to abuse stimulant prescription drugs that were not written to them as those who do not attend college or who attend college part-time.

Beyond initial intake, the dangers of illegal prescription drug use can be long term. Simply sampling Adderall or OxyContin can risk serious harmful side effects or even creating a long term addiction.

Adding to the problem of prescription drugs is the consumption of mass amounts of alcohol often times with the pills. If the prescription drug is a pain reliever, like OxyContin or Vicodin, the combination of it with alcohol fully depresses the central nervous system and significantly slows breathing. Many accidental drug deaths are the result of these synergetic combinations: two drugs that have the same effects on the human body, so when combined, they double the negative and potentially fatal physical effects.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Your Step by Step Guide on How to Remove Body Hair for Men

Although the technique is pretty much the same, hair removal for men and women can differ in the areas where hair is removed. Most women would remove hair in the face, armpit, as well as legs, men, on the other hand, prefer to have their chest, back, shoulders as well as legs and arms free of body hair. Whatever the method for body hair removal for men, it all boils down to personal preference be it a temporary result or a permanent one.

Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guideline on hair removal for men.

First, you need to determine what method you wish to undergo. For example, you need a razor and shaving cream if you want to shave. Depilatories or a hair removal cream if you prefer a painless removal of hair in the body. You can also use a waxing kit if you think "no pain, no gain" is the right thing to do. All of these are just for the do-it-yourself kit at home. Other alternatives can also be chosen besides the already mentioned one. You can also have laser treatment and IPL but these two are discussed in another topic.

Second, you can shave using the razor when you want to remove the unwanted hair on your body. It is best that you do this right after taking a bath. Better yet, soak your body in warm water so that the coarse hair is softened during the process. This also reduces the chances of having ingrown hair as well as skin irritation due to the friction caused by the razor rubbed against the skin. Shaving results only last for about a day or two.

Now, if you need to remove the hair on your arms or legs, the easiest and the most painless way to do this is to use depilatories or full body hair removal creams. Most of these creams can be purchased over the counter so procuring them can be easy as A-B-C. Depilatories dissolve the protein in the hair so hair cans easily fallout from the roots. Compared to shaving, hair removal creams have longer lasting results.

The third step, once you have removed the hair on narrower areas of the body, you can move on to remove hair from the chest or back or any wide part of the body. This can be easily done through waxing. This can give discomfort but the pain is tolerable. Warm wax,already melted, is applied to the area and then it is covered with a strip of cloth. You need to allow the wax to dry out before pulling the cloth, along with the hairs. Be sure that you tug it against the hair growth to reduce ingrown hair. Hair would not grow for a month or so. There are also do-it-yourself kits you can buy in stores or you can have this done professionally in a salon.

The next step can be optional. If you prefer to remove body hair permanently, you can go to a beauty clinic and undergo electrolysis. Electrolysis works by administering a low-level electric shock to the hair follicle, killing the growth cells responsible for hair. The downside of this kind of treatment is that it requires a total longer period of sessions, usually done weekly, in order that the entire area is treated properly. Another way to go is using laser treatment, which has a similar mode as electrolysis. The main difference is that instead of electric shock, low energy light beam is used. Similarly, small areas can be treated in one session, making the total treatment longer. Laser treatment is best performed on men with dark hair.

The last kind is IPL or intense pulse light treatment. It is quite similar to the laser but uses pulses of light to kill the follicles of hair.

This is the ways on how to remove body hair, from the simplest way to the most complicated. Which one would you choose?

Monday, May 13, 2013

ADHD A-Z

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition that affects anywhere from three to five percent of children. It is characterized by inattentiveness and hyperactive behavior. The exact causes of ADHD are not understood by health researchers. However, genetics, food additives, exposure to environmental toxins and maternal drug use may play a role in the development of this condition.

What Are Some of The Symptoms of ADHD?

The symptoms of ADHD can be divided into three categories, inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The inattentive symptoms may include things such as being easily distracted, forgetfulness, failure to pay attention, disorganization and failure to follow instructions.The hyperactivity symptoms may include things such as fidgeting, climbing on things, running at inappropriate times and excessive talking. Failure to wait one's turn, blurting out answers during class and interrupting others during games or conversation can be classified as impulsive behavior.

How Do Doctors Diagnose ADHD?

Many people argue that ADHD is over diagnosed. Most children are naturally energetic and talkative. Just because a child has some of the symptoms of ADHD does not necessarily mean that he or she are in this condition. That is why doctors use specific criteria when they are diagnosing children with AHDH.

In order to be formally diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have exhibited at least six inattentive symptoms and six hyperactivity/impulsive symptoms before the age of seven. The child must have exhibited these behaviors for at least six months. These behaviors must be interfering with a child's home and school life. Furthermore, the child must have shown signs of ADHD in more than one setting. For example, a person shows the symptoms at home and at school. Similar criteria are used to diagnose ADD, or attention deficit disorder.

Preliminary ADHD diagnose can be made online with a Continuous Performance Test (CPT), measuring sustained attention and impulsivity, two primary features of ADHD / ADD. Performance on various indices is compared to age-relevant norms. CPT tests are widely accepted as the gold standard of objective assessments of attention and impulsivity. There are also online ADHD/ADD tests that can be a good way to preliminary check the condition of a preson assumed to suffer from it.

ADHD Treatment

Doctors, parents and caregivers have to work together to provide the right treatment for the child. In most cases, treatment will consist of a combination of therapy and medication. Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine are examples of some of the medications that doctors frequently recommend to treat ADHD. These medications are known as psychostimulants. They work by calming the person down and reducing some of the other symptoms of ADHD.

Talk therapy can help a child and his or her family members understand this condition better. It can also help the child and family members control the stress that is related to ADHD. Additionally, it is very important for parents to learn how to handle the child's disruptive behavior. A reward and punishment system has been shown to be very effective. Keeping a child on a consistent schedule, making sure that he or she eats a healthy diet and sleeps well and setting consistent rules are some other things that parents can do.

How Is Child ADHD Related To Other Conditions?

ADHD is sometimes confused with other conditions, such as child autism. Both autistic children and children with ADHD may have uneven motor skills, severe tantrums and disrupt other people. However, children with autism may or may not exhibit hyperactive behavior. These children may also have trouble expressing emotions or making eye contact with others. Because the symptoms of ADHD and autism are similar, doctors have to perform a thorough examination to rule out other conditions.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

What to Look for on Your Search of Juvederm Doctors

If you are looking for a change in your facial appearance that includes your skin elasticity, lip fullness, and smoother skin, then finding Juvederm doctors might be beneficial for you. This product a doctor in this expertise uses is called hyaluronic acid. It is a substance that is found in the body that has the capability for helping skin elasticity.

This product is used to give a smooth, more youthful appearance to your face, but before you jump into having it done, you should really look for Juvederm doctors who are precise, artistic, and affordable.

This product is introduced into the body through injections. This must call for a great deal of precision. With that precision, there must be the knowledge of every part of the facial structure. As you look for the right plastic surgeon, make sure to check into their education and experience before choosing one.

Artistry is another trait to consider as you look at Juvederm doctors. It will be hard to judge this without seeing their work. Take the time to look at before and after photos for each doctor that you consider. This is an important part of the decision process. As you look at these pictures, make sure that the lighting is the same in both as well as the level of make-up on the individual. Angle is also important when looking at a photo to see the changes.

Affordability is also something to consider. You will not want to go with the cheapest doctor, but you should make sure that you could afford to go to him or her. Your insurance will not cover these procedures, so you will be paying on your own. Do price comparisons between Juvederm doctors so that you can compare prices as well as qualifications.

As you look for the right doctor for your injections, you will want to make sure to find out what others have thought of the work of various plastic surgeons. It is important to go to one that is known for doing a good job. You will not know for sure about results until you experience going to a doctor, but at least you will have a good idea.

Before making any final decisions, make sure to visit each doctor at the office for a consultation. This will give you the opportunity to speak to each one and discover if you think you would like to have them work with you. Once you do this, you should be able to choose from the variety of Juvederm doctors available and find the right one for you.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Surgical Supplies

Nowadays, spread of germs and infections are the most common problem that encountered in hospitals and in other health care settings. Such that all hospitals and other health care centers have implemented some infection control procedures so that all the medical personnel are keen to take precautions to prevent illness or infections. It is evident that there is a chance of spreading infection during surgery. But, surgery is indispensable in providing patients with freedom from all pathological condition such as disease or injury. It helps them to improve their bodily function and appearance. Surgical instruments could be defined as "a tool or device used to carry out specific functions during a surgery or operation." These supplies are instruments or other relevant hospital items that are used to prevent infection during operation.

Earlier itself, people have invented and used an array of surgical instruments for a variety of surgical purposes. There are lot varieties of surgical instruments available for various surgeries. All these instruments are made of high quality and ensure its long service life and durability. Above all, it could be availed at a very affordable price. Here are some examples from a wide range of surgical instruments such as drapes, face masks, needle holder, surgical scissors, bipolar forceps, gowns, retractors, gauze, scalpel and many other similar items. All of these surgical instruments are hygienic and disposable and they really help to prevent the spread of germs. And, these supplies are very helpful for the doctors and surgeons to perform surgeries on patients.

Important facts about surgical supplies while using it during operation

  • One important aspect in surgical instrumentation is that the surgical instruments should be handled properly during a surgery.

  • All the supplies must be sterilized and cleaned prior to surgical use. Different instruments have different functions and for example, the function of forceps is to provide gripping various bodily tissues, thus helps the doctors to use their hand in different aspects of surgery.

  • Surgical instruments along with other products are employed to maintain sterility throughout the surgery. All these instruments must be properly cleaned and must be dipped regularly in sterilized water. It is done to prevent the coagulation of blood on the surface of the instruments.

  • The other few more surgical instruments that are used in medical industries are graspers, suction tubes, optical carriers, stereotactic devices, clamps, positioners, tyndallers, procedure trays and so on.

The right providers of these supplies must be capable enough to respond to changing demands of the hospitals and the other healthcares. And this definitely will allow the medical personnel to provide quality care for the patients. Finally, as an end-note, from what we have learned - the surgical supplies and their proper use are important for a successful surgery.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Liposuction Benefits for Men and Women

The liposuction procedure is generally used to sculpt and form a body by removing excess fat in specific areas. It is basically safe with some risks that usually come with any form of operation or surgery that might put a person under anesthesia. In spite of these possible risks, there are many individuals who undergo this operation because it is relatively safe and not everybody is prone to the risks that come with it.

Benefits

The most obvious benefit that comes with this cosmetic surgery is the removal of the excess fats that may plague the person. The liposuction procedure aims to regulate the occurrence of the fat in specific areas so that the individual will appear leaner and trimmer. These are part of the other benefits that come with the operation; appearing leaner and trimmer. Many individuals do to need to have additional operations in order to remove the excess skin and tissue that might get left behind when the fat is removed. Weighing less is also another plus that come with the procedure. Fat that naturally occurs in the body adds to the weight of the person. With the removal of the fat in specific trouble areas of the body, one can expect to weigh less. The more fat removed from the person, the less he or she is expected to weigh. The difference in weight may not be noticeable if the excess fat is not a lot or only one area of the body is a problematic one. Psychological benefits include, but are not limited to, self-confidence, feeling more at ease with the body and a lighter feeling all around.

Self-confidence often stems from knowing that one is physically better looking than before. Liposuction is one of the procedures that can give the patient an almost immediate satisfaction with his or her appearance even before the recovery period is over. This is because the fat is physically removed and the result is immediate. The feeling of being at ease with one's body works well for most, if not all, individuals because almost everybody wants to feel healthier and lighter. Once the results are completely achieved, the person should be able to go out and fully appreciate the way that he or she looks and feels. Another advantage to getting this kind of cosmetic procedure done is the fact that it is minimally invasive compared to others and the effect can be immense. This is especially true for those who have several sessions done on several areas of the body.

The most common areas of the body that cosmetic surgeons perform liposuction are the belly, the buttocks, the upper arms and the thighs. It is better to consult a licensed and qualified cosmetic surgeon for the procedure in order to be one the safe side when it comes to complications and risks. Licensed surgeons and doctors who can perform the operation should be affiliated with certain hospitals and clinics that are clean and have the right instruments and equipment to perform the liposuction.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Birthmark Removal Before And After Photos Can Aid In Surgery Decisions

If you have had an obvious mark since birth that has bothered you for years, then you might want to look into having it removed. Using birthmark removal before and after photos is a good idea to help you decide whether having it removed is a good option or not. It will help you to see the reality of what it may look like after, which could help you with having expectations that are set too high.

If you are considering having a mark removed, then there are several things to consider as you look into the procedure. You should find out if it is invasive. You should also consider the level of effectiveness. Another consideration is the cost.

A visible birthmark has probably faded some since birth. The procedure used to get rid of a mark might simply be a method to make it fade more. There are different types of marks, so the degree of fading might depend on that. It might take more than one treatment to get the desired look. Laser treatment might be the method used, and this is not an invasive procedure.

The effectiveness may depend on the color of the mark. It may take several treatments for it to be completely affective. Each case is likely going to differ especially depending on the type of mark that it is.

The cost of having a mark removed will also probably vary based on the size and color of the mark. The more treatments necessary will probably bring up the price. The procedure will probably not be covered by insurance unless the mark is being excised completely due to a cancer risk of some sort.

Prior to having a procedure done like this, you will obviously need a doctor. A plastic surgeon or dermatologist will likely be able to do this procedure. Things to consider as you look for the right one is the birthmark removal before and after photos from surgeries done by that specific doctor.

Birthmark removal before and after photos are something you should look at when considering each doctor. If he or she has no pictures or is not willing to show them, then you should not go with this doctor. Looking at these will give you an idea of a possible outcome, and looking at them will keep your expectations where they need to be.

Specific experience in the area of removing marks from birth is an important consideration. The doctor should have experience using the technology that works for this, and he or she should do it many times throughout the year. Birthmark removal before and after photos might be the deciding factor as to which doctor you choose. Something visible like this is always helpful.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Getting The Ideal Gadget To Aid Your Hearing

The ideal gadget used to aid hearing is a device that carries sounds from the environment to the ear. When getting this device there are certain things you should put into consideration. One should purchase the devices that will solve their problems. There are different types of devices. Manufacturers of these instruments make a wide variety of devices.

Devices come in different sizes and styles. Mostly they are differentiated by how they are placed on the ear. Manufacturers sell their devices at different prices. They make their devices using quality components.

There are certain programming methods that can be used with these devices. The programming methods are used in different ways. People program their devices in a way that they can communicate to various manufacturers directly. This helps people to solve problems related to the devices.

Programming of these devices is conducted by professionals. Up to date the only people that have the programming software and equipment are the hearing professionals. People just need to have programming systems in order to control their ability to hear. Programming helps people to adjust sounds to the level they feel comfortable with.

People differ in many things including their lifestyle and environment. The settings in the device should match with your needs and desires. The programming systems help people adjust their settings any time anywhere. Adjusting is not difficult. People can use certain manuals that are availed by the manufacturers to make device adjustments.

Purchasing the best device may be difficult. There are a lot of companies that deal with this line of products. They have websites that they use in marketing their products. Most of the firms have highly trained technicians that help people in purchasing of aids. They also give after sale services like maintenance to their clients instruments.

The devices are repairable. When your device is not functioning well you can take it to specialized technicians. Most of the manufacturers have technicians that help in repairing the aids. The best way to ensure that the aids are well repaired is by taking them to the company that sold them to you.

It is important to insure the devices. This is because they can get lost. There also comes a time when the device needs replacement. Purchasing a new device may be expensive.

Most of the insurance companies compensate people who have insured their devices. People who have a mild or severe hearing problem should consider using a hearing aid. By doing this they will not have to struggle hearing sounds.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Women and Kidney Stones

Any human is able to develop kidney stones. While women have a lower rate of the condition than men do, it is possible for the stones to develop.

Kidney stones are a painful problem that develops in the urinary tract. The most common location for the stones to develop is around the kidneys, which ultimately results in an obstruction that prevents the fluid and waste processed by the kidneys to drain properly. Any woman can develop the condition, though some women are more likely to face the painful dilemma than others are.

Young Women

While women can develop the condition, young women historically face a much lower risk of developing the problem. Despite the historical facts, more young women and girls are facing the condition than previous generations. As more young women are eating diets that a high in processed foods, the rate of kidney stones is increasing.

Older Women

Estrogen helps to inhibit the condition. Women who are 50 years old or older are more likely to develop the stones than younger women are. After women reach menopause and start seeing hormonal changes in the body, the risk of developing the stones is increased. Also women who have had their ovaries removed are also at an increased risk.

If a woman develops a kidney stone once, then she has a higher risk of developing them again in the future.

Diet Plays a Role

Dietary habits also play a role in the development of kidney stones. For example, diets high in animal proteins such as meat and eggs increase the likelihood of stone formation. Excessive salt intake is another dietary risk factor so it is important to avoid highly processed foods. Foods high in oxalate are detrimental as well and include such items as nuts, spinach, rhubarb, and wheat germ. Increased fluid intake can help to flush out the system.

Additional Increased Risk Factors

Though any woman can potentially develop these stones, some women are at a higher risk of developing the problem. Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop the stones due to genetic factors. Women who are likely to face dehydration due to climate or low water intake might develop the stones. Furthermore, a diet that is high in sodium or processed foods can increase the risk of developing the problem. Women who eat a healthy diet and drink enough water to retain hydration are less likely to develop the condition.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Bronchitis Preventions

Health is your most prized possession. It is only natural to take care of it correctly to keep your body in good shape. Every choice you make, from the food you eat to your habits, has a direct impact on your health eventually. Suffering from any chronic disease like bronchitis is always troubling. Bronchitis can be dangerous, as it can lead to death in its most severe stages and put your family's health in jeopardy. Learn the right way to prevent having this condition and live a fruitful life without bronchitis.

Quit Smoking

Stay clear from bronchitis by quitting smoking. Smoking can put you at great risk of developing heart and lung problems. The chemicals present in every cigarette can increase the amount of excess mucus on your lungs because of the inflammation of your bronchial tubes. Smokers are twice in danger on having bronchitis as compared to non-smokers.

Positive changes in your body take place the moment you stop smoking. Your breathing would improve after three days of quitting. In two weeks, your lungs would begin to function much better, and in a month, cilia would start to regrow to take care of the mucus and drop all kinds of lung infections. Quitting smoking is a huge step towards your serious plan to prevent bronchitis.

Keep Symptoms Checked

Be mindful of the possible signs of bronchitis. Having colds is common to most people, but some people can handle it better than others. Take care of your colds immediately because it could lead to bronchitis and pneumonia. Other symptoms of bronchitis are cough, nasal congestions, and wheezing. It is advisable to see your doctor to have a proper diagnosis for your illness. If your doctor finds out you have it, get the best bronchitis cure in the market immediately.

Better Immunity

Build a strong wall of body defence to fight bronchitis. Strengthening your immunity against bronchitis is your body's natural way of staying healthy. Eat vegetables and raw fruits to have a good combination of vitamins and minerals your immune system needs. Include natural remedies on your dishes such as raw honey, garlic, and onion to be strong against bronchitis. Keep your body clean and always wash your hands to prevent catching others' bronchitis. Do not use anti-bacterial soaps to keep good bacteria alive in your body for your defence. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Stay Away from Ill People

Keep an eye on sick people. Roots of bronchitis such as colds and flu are contagious. Their virus can spread quickly during long exposure with these people. Flu and colds are widespread during cold seasons. You need to be extra careful being in contact with sick people, especially when you never had a shot to fight off these diseases from entering your system. Your body has weaker defences to fight off harmful organisms without vaccinations.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Finding a Shoulder Specialist After Repeated Sports Injuries

Sports can be a lot of fun, but if you have an injury, it can be frustrating. Some people are very competitive and injury after injury to the shoulders can begin to take their toll. When this happens a shoulder specialist might be necessary. If someone has a number of injuries and chooses not to go, then they might ruin their ability to use the injured shoulders in capacities other than only sports.

It is a big step for some people to visit a shoulder specialist. Many who finally try to find one probably know that they are headed for surgery. Even knowing this, it is important to get it taken care of. Muscle relaxers and heavy painkillers are only going to cover the problem.

All specialists will not be equal. In order to find a shoulder specialist that will give you the attention that you need, you should look for one who is board certified in the field of sports medicine and experienced with issues in the shoulders. You should also look for someone who is somewhat of an athlete. It is also a good idea to find a doctor with a good reputation for his or her work.

Finding someone board certified and experienced in the repair of injuries such as yours is something important to consider. It makes no sense to choose someone who is adept at knee injuries and rarely looks at those involving the shoulders.

Finding someone who is an athlete will also be beneficial for you. It is beneficial because the doctor will know where you are coming from in how you are feeling about your situation. He or she will know how you feel about getting back into your sport. The doctor will likely do his or her best to help you get back to your sport as soon as possible, if at all possible.

The reputation of a shoulder specialist is also something to consider. It is important to find someone that is known in the area for working with sports medicine and doing a good job with it. Although you cannot always depend on what others say about a medical practice. It is often an accurate representation of how things really are.

Once you consider these areas, you will hopefully have a good idea of which shoulder specialist will be the best for your needs. Do not put off going out of fear. Things will only get worse if you wait.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Tell-Tale Signs of a Good Medical Transcription Company

When you want to have the best medical transcription, you need to find companies that offer great service and employ good quality transcriptionists. The crucial nature of transcribing medical records dictates that health care facilities should carefully select the service provider they wish to hire. After all, the success or failure of the patients' treatment may depend partly on the service providers' ability to give accurate transcriptions of medical records.

The proliferation of companies offering transcription services make it quite difficult to select which one to hire. Since there is variety of choices, great complexity also comes in.

Check the Track Record

Generally, the quality of a medical transcription service can be predicted based on their track record. When scouting for a company to hire, inquire how long they have been in the business. If they've been doing the business for quite some time, it only goes to show that they have the capacity to deliver the services required of them. Avoid dealing with start-up companies as they may not have the competence to perform what you need them to. Also, ask how many clients they have served over the years. It would be much better if they can provide references so you can verify their legitimacy.

Verify their Services

It is not enough to deal with a medical transcription provider company that has been in existence for a long period of time. The choice of company should also depend on their other capacities. First consideration is the customer support that they offer. Occasions like the need to clear out some concerns are definitely unavoidable. Thus, they should be reached as soon as practicable. Good companies must be able to offer 24/7 toll free support to their clients. Second is to check whether or not the company utilizes web-based program. Apart from being a mere technological advancement, gaining immediate access to reports is critical. Third, look at the company's quality control system. Accuracy is essential especially when dealing with medical records. So it is only important that the company employs proof readers and other control mechanisms to ensure that the output is as precise as can be.

Billing and Output Delivery

Before signing up, ask about how the company bills you. Some companies bill you at per line basis while the others opt for per page or per audio minute. Do your own accounting regarding this matter and check in which method can you save more bucks. Also, medical transcription services usually have their standard turn-around time (TAT). Good companies can give output in less than 24 hours. If the documents are rush files, they can also adjust to the needs of the client. If the company cannot give you this output, it's better to look for another company.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

How Your Plastic Surgeon Will Ensure You Are a Good Candidate for Surgery

Your plastic surgeon has a major role to play in your cosmetic surgery experience. Not only will he or she perform the chosen treatment, but you can also expect your doctor to advise you carefully before you decide whether to go through with the procedure. Find out how your physician can make sure you are a good candidate before setting up the surgery.

During the initial consultation, you will be in the process of deciding whether the doctor you are talking to is the right one for you. But you will not be the only one making a decision. The plastic surgeon you meet with will also be making the decision of whether to allow you to get the surgery you want. He or she will likely ask some questions, such as why you are getting the procedure. You need to make sure you are doing it for your own sake, not for anyone else. The doctor should also make sure you have realistic expectations since otherwise you will be disappointed with the results.

In fact, your plastic surgeon will be in charge of giving you all the information you need to feel prepared for the procedure. This means you can expect to receive answers regarding what will happen during the operation and how to heal as fast as possible. You should feel comfortable asking questions since you deserve thorough answers. Plus, your doctor will need to tell you how to prepare for the surgery, since you may find you have to quit smoking, stop taking certain medications, or even get to a healthy weight first.

Furthermore, a good plastic surgeon will ensure you are in good health in general. You might need to have blood tests run before you get surgery. You will also likely need a physical from your regular practitioner. Only once all the results are back can you find out for sure that you qualify for the procedure. Your physician needs to make sure you do not have problems with your heart or other major organs that would put you at risk during or after the operation.

It may turn out that your plastic surgeon does not believe you are a good candidate for the operation you want. If this occurs, you should find out if you can do something to change that, such as get healthier by losing weight or taking a certain medication. If this is not the case, you can ask for alternatives. For example, just because you are not eligible for a facelift does not mean you can't get Botox or a similar treatment instead. No matter what occurs, you should just feel confident your physician has your best interests at heart.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

What Talk Shows Do Not Tell You About CoolSculpting

During the latter half of 2010, an innovative form of cosmetic improvement turned the world of body contouring on its ear. This procedure, known as CoolSculpting by Zeltiq, has its share of benefits to offer those who decide to give it a try. It is a non-invasive fat removal cosmetic procedure for the body, which costs less than liposuction. It is reputed to be practically painless. However, what is not clear at this point is how long the results remain in effect. Freezing your fat to slim down may sound like something that you want to try, but first you need to know what the media is not telling you.

To determine, if this procedure is the right one for one, you need to arm yourself with the details about it that you will not hear on any talk shows on television. You will not know if it is something you should undertake, unless you are privy to the hidden nuggets of information.

This procedure will not improve laxity of the skin. In other words, if your skin is loose, saggy and is no longer firm, this procedure will not improve it or restore it to what it once looked like. In fact, it may actually make it worse. Removing fat by way of CoolSculpting might actually make the saggy quality of your skin even more noticeable.

A vacuum is used for the task of grabbing the fat and the skin in the targeted area and whisking it away from the body. Contrary to what you may have heard, this can lead to some pain and discomfort. The first five to 15 minutes of the vacuuming procedure can cause a degree of discomfort. Some people may experience it to a stronger extent than others.

The CoolSculpting experience is touted as taking an hour to complete. In truth, it takes one hour for each area that you wish to have frozen. The lower abdominal region would take two hours to complete. If you have a few love handles, each one will take one hour to be worked on. Let's face it, you want the love handles on both sides of your body treated.

Following the procedure, you may be upset by what the area that was treated looks like. Some patients describe it as looking like a piece of salmon under their skin, while others describe it as looking like a stick of butter. But do not worry, it will look odd but the professionals will massage the area afterwards.

Success does not always occur after the first treatment. You may have to be treated two, or even three times to see visible results that signal success. The full results will take anywhere from two to three months to appear. That is the reality for some patients of CoolSculpting. For other people, it may take longer. It may take anywhere from four to six months to see the complete end result.